Actantial model
Encyclopedia
In structural semantics
, the actantial model, also called the actantial narrative schema, is a tool used to analyze the action that takes place in a story
, whether real or fictional. It was developed in 1966 by semiotician Algirdas Julien Greimas
.
The model considers an action as divided into six facets, called actant
s.
Greimas took the term actant from linguist Lucien Tesnière
, which coined in his discussion of the grammar of noun phrases.
Structural semantics
Logical positivism asserts that structural semantics is the study of relationships between the meanings of terms within a sentence, and how meaning can be composed from smaller elements...
, the actantial model, also called the actantial narrative schema, is a tool used to analyze the action that takes place in a story
Storytelling
Storytelling is the conveying of events in words, images and sounds, often by improvisation or embellishment. Stories or narratives have been shared in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation and in order to instill moral values...
, whether real or fictional. It was developed in 1966 by semiotician Algirdas Julien Greimas
Algirdas Julien Greimas
Algirdas Julien Greimas , known among other things for the Greimas Square, is considered, along with Roland Barthes, the most prominent of the French semioticians. With his training in linguistics, he added to the theory of signification and laid the foundations for the Paris School of Semiotics...
.
The model considers an action as divided into six facets, called actant
Actant
In narrative theory, actant is a term from the actantial model of semiotic analysis of narratives.-In Narratology:Due credit must be paid to Algirdas Julien Greimas , professor of Semiotics who is widely credited with producing in 1966 the "actantial" model...
s.
Greimas took the term actant from linguist Lucien Tesnière
Lucien Tesnière
Lucien Tesnière was one of the most prominent and influential French linguists.Tesnière was born in Mont-Saint-Aignan on May 13, 1893...
, which coined in his discussion of the grammar of noun phrases.
Sources
- Greimas, Algirdas JulienAlgirdas Julien GreimasAlgirdas Julien Greimas , known among other things for the Greimas Square, is considered, along with Roland Barthes, the most prominent of the French semioticians. With his training in linguistics, he added to the theory of signification and laid the foundations for the Paris School of Semiotics...
. 1973. "Actants, Actors, and Figures." On Meaning: Selected Writings in Semiotic Theory. Trans. Paul J. Perron and Frank H, Collins. Theory and History of Literature, 38. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 1987. 106-120. - Herbert, Louis (2006) Tools for Text and Image Analysis: An Introduction to Applied Semiotics, online eboook, published by Texto !
- Herbert, Louis (2006) The Actantial Model, in Louis Hébert (dir.), Signo [online], Rimouski (Quebec), http://www.signosemio.com
Further reading
- Felluga, Dino Modules on Greimas: On the Semiotic Square. Introductory Guide to Critical Theory.
- Felluga, Dino. Modules on Greimas: On Plotting. Introductory Guide to Critical Theory.